Magic is Force: Chapter 31
The halls of Tronjheim seemed to go on for endless miles. And hundreds of both man and dwarf littered the belly of the city. As Meetra and Karn passed both races, they received inquisitive stares. Many of the men dipped their heads in respect while a few dwarves stopped and brought their right fists above their heart, saluting in honor to them.
Meetra kept her focus square ahead, her strides quickened in pace over time – she seemed rather determined on reaching her destination as soon as possible. And whatever she wanted to discuss with Karn, she seemed quite earnest on conferring it as soon as possible. And as they walked throughout the Mountain City, Karn couldn't quite understand nor reach a possible idea what Meetra wanted to talk about.
Her thoughts were guarded, which was abnormal for her. Since the two revealed their feelings for one another; and through their bond Karn could normally sense her thoughts and emotions. But this time, she decided to ward off a section of her consciousness, preventing him from reading her thoughts. However her feelings, regardless if she were to try and shield them from him, he could still detect them through their bond. And he only could sense from her that she was worried about something; hesitation seemed the most prominent.
Meetra, Karn reached out to her. What's gotten into you? What's so important for us to discuss that we couldn't talk in front of Eragon?
There are some questions that I need you to answer. Questions that will determine our future. She didn't look back or break stride. She continued onward until they came into the center of Tronjheim where a large stairwell ascended high into the upper levels of the city.
Can you at least tell me where we are going?
To the safest place where we can discuss of such matters in private without wandering ears: my room.
Meetra took the liberty to start ascending the stairwell, Karn trailing behind her keeping pace. It took them several minutes to reach the level of the city that housed their quarters and it was another short time later before they reached the door to Meetra's room. The two entered and the first thing she did was take him by the hand and lead him to the couch where she planted herself down. She produced an exhausted moan and quickly kicked off her traveling boots. She wiggled her toes and rolled her feet; stretching out her cramped muscles.
"Feeling better?" Karn asked jokingly. He sat himself on the couch alongside Meetra and mimicked her actions: his boots came off and stretched out his legs.
"Very much," she said after she curled herself up on the couch, grabbed a pillow and held it against her.
Karn crossed his leg and placed a hand on Meetra's thigh. "Can you please tell me what's going on now? What's gotten you so worked up?"
She hugged the pillow tighter against her and her chest expanded and contracted as she took an intake of air. "There's a couple of things that have worried me, Karn."
"Credit for your thoughts?" he said as he gently stroke her calf.
"I'm worried about Fóvos," she admitted.
"What about him has you so concerned?"
She shrugged and placed a hand on his own. "His command over the Darkside is strong. And unique. The power he used against us…I'm not sure how to describe it."
"I'm not sure how to describe it either," agreed Karn. "Through the Force, it's as if I can sense his power but it's linked to something."
"I have no knowledge of the Darkside that could explain such power," she spoke openly. "Even though for a time I was the student to a fallen Sith Lord, I had learned a few things – but nothing could have prepared me for Fóvos' prowess."
Karn squeezed her hand reassuringly, "And yet you still survived. And that's all that matters."
"Barely," she said with a bitter and condescending tone. "I survived that battle with him, but that does not mean I am better than him."
"Don't beat yourself up so bad, Meetra," he attempted to try and console her. "You did your best and that's all you could have done."
"It still leaves a bad taste in my mouth," she added. "Like eating a rodian pepper."
Karn chuckled out loud. "You do realize those things taste good to only rodians, right?"
"Yes, yes I know that for a fact," she gave an exasperated sigh. "But I dislike losing… I don't like to feel weak."
"You're everything but weak," Karn spoke encouragingly. "You're one of the strongest Jedi I have ever had the pleasure to meet."
"Oh please quit comforting me," she lightly punched him across the arm. "I have lived and learned long enough to know my limits. And Fóvos' powers exceeds my own."
"Well if it's any consolation," he shook his head, "I didn't beat him either. Fóvos pushed me to my limit as well."
Meetra shook her head. "I disagree." She stared at him and Karn could feel her emotions growing inside: admiration and jealousy. She placed her hand and wrapped it in his own. "I think you have what it takes to beat Fóvos."
"And what kind of rationale would make you even consider that?" rebuttal Karn.
"Your affinity with the Force," she professed. "You possess powers of both the Light and the Dark. That's never been done before. For all I know, your abilities could be limitless."
"In all honesty, I don't even know what I am capable of." Karn admitted. He took his free hand and brought it up, flexed it into a fist and unclenched it – and continued to stare at it. "My teachers explained that once we had achieved balance within the Force, we would have untold potential. And our powers would only grow so long as our understanding of the Force did as well."
"That was something I wanted to ask you about," Meetra blurted out suddenly.
"Say what?"
"Your powers," Meetra stated, "There are some aspects of the Force you wish to understand better, yes?"
Karn reflected upon his knowledge of the Force; about the Light and the Dark. Aspects he knew extensively, and other parts where he knew little. He drew upon his experience, determining his strengths and weaknesses. And one weakness in particular brought up old feelings of failure, remorse, and anger.
"What's wrong, Karn?" Meetra said worriedly. She gently took hold of his chin to turn his face so he stared directly at her. "Tell me."
"Yes, even though I possess power; I still don't know how to use it," he began to speak. His eyes stared out to her but as his memories came to the surface, his gaze became unfocused. "I failed so many times throughout my time here in Alagaesia. Brom died from a wound because I lacked the knowledge necessary to heal him. I nearly died from my fight with Durza because I gave my Darkside to much of a hold over me." His words were strained as they escaped his mouth. He almost began to choke-up slightly after recalling that time outside of Dras-Leona and Gil'ead. His words soon turned harsh and a string of anger was evident. "And I could have prevented much more lives from being lost if I only had the power to defeat those who threatened us."
Meetra's cupped the side of Karn's cheek and rubbed it sympathetically and affectionately. Her visage turned empathetic, "We all wish to have power to protect our friends and defeat our enemies." There was a slight pause as Meetra continued to stroke Karn's stubble along his jawline. Closing his eyes, he sat and basked in the moment, enjoying her fondness. "But how we go about achieving that requires time, patience, and training."
"Time," Karn spoke in dismay, "I feel is something we don't have. I fear that this war, between the Varden and Galbatorix, will only further escalate."
"I believe the same," Meetra replied in agreement. "But if the Varden are going to win this war they are going to need us to end it quickly."
"And how are we supposed to do that?" he spoke skeptically and opened his eyes to gaze at her.
"You need to get stronger," Meetra exclaimed. "We both do."
An eyebrow raised as Karn processed her words. "More training?"
"Yes." She lowered her hand from Karn's cheek and leaned forward, dropping the pillow that she held to her chest. "Galbatorix, from all accounts, is the strongest sorcerer to exist in Alagaesia. To make matters worse, he has Fóvos – and he's stronger than several shade's combined. And who knows what other servants he has under his command who have yet to reveal themselves."
She paused for a moment to let her words sink in. "Eragon and Saphira will go to the elves to finish where Brom started regarding their training. When they return, yes they will be stronger, but they will still be unprepared to face Galbatorix. They will need allies strong enough to get them to Uru'baen – to protect them. If we don't have the power to protect them, then all is lost. And most assuredly, I will promise that our enemies will be preparing for us. And we will need to be ready for whatever they throw at us."
Karn sat silently for several moments contemplating her words. He thought of his past failures and began to imagine a future where his enemies were stronger than him. The prospect of losing everyone close to him – Eragon, Saphira, Meetra – sent a shivering chill down his spine. Even more harrowing was the possibility of himself dying – and that vision was something he was not interested in experiencing.
"I need power," Karn declared. "I need to better understand the powers at my disposal. And the only way I'm going to learn is by further developing my knowledge over the Force. I have to understand how to use the it in all of its entirety."
"I believe I can assist you in this endeavor," Meetra stated. "I have my knowledge over the Force – especially as a Jedi. I can teach you how to better use it. And I do have some understanding of the Darkside; but I believe you may know it better than I." She shoved him and gave a slight smirk. "Perhaps you can show me a thing or two?"
Teasingly, he nudged back. "So the apprentice will become the master? Sounds very Sith-like to me."
"True, but unlike the Sith you don't have to kill me to achieve that," she countered.
"Fair point."
"Very good," Meetra spoke with a sense of surety. "Now the only thing left to determine is when you'd like to begin training?"
"Obviously after the funeral for Ajihad," Karn quickly added.
"Well of course," she spoke curtly. "We've just became allies with Nasuada, the least we can do for the poor girl is attend her father's funeral."
The two sat on the couch for some time deliberating their schedule to determine when would be the most appropriate time for them to begin their training. Time slipped by as the two offered ideas back and forth between each other, but they ultimately agreed on a specified time.
"How about we begin our training after Eragon and Saphira have left for the elves?" suggested Karn.
A curious expression grew on Meetra's face. "You mean you aren't interested in traveling with Eragon to Du Weldenvarden?" she pointed a finger at him. "You, Eragon and Saphira have been traveling together for quite some time. And I know you three have developed a strong friendship between each other. I guess I just found it a surprise that you'd not wish to journey with them."
Karn scratched his head as he contemplated on that idea. He had sworn to protect Eragon and Saphira - to ensure nothing would ever happen to them. It was Brom's dying wish; how could he give up on such a hallowed request. Just the thought of betraying Brom's promise created a foul taste in his mouth. And like Meetra stated, he enjoyed being amidst their company.
On the other hand, though, should he leave with them to go visit the elves, what would become of the Varden? What sort of trouble could Galbatorix send that could severely cripple it? He pledged, to Nasuada, that he would protect the Varden; but what would there be to protect if Galbatorix destroyed it while he was gone? This was another daunting possibility he had to consider.
But it was Meetra who replied, delivering him the answer he had difficulty trying to find. She placed a hand on his knee and spoke with excitement, "How about we accompany Eragon and Saphira on their trip to Du Weldenvarden? I think it would actually do you some good."
"How so?" Karn spoke with genuine curiosity.
"The elves are the most peaceful race that exists in Alagaesia. And Du Weldenvarden reflects that tranquility. I believe going there would help assist you in centering yourself; better allowing you to control your emotions.
And also," she continued on with more excitement, "there's plenty of forests up there that you and I can take some time to seclude ourselves and train." She shrugged her shoulders, "I honestly think that that might be the best course of action."
"If that's what you think will work best for us, then let's do it," agreed Karn. He started to like her idea more and more as he thought about it. He'd be able to uphold his oath to Brom; and if what Meetra said is true, then it could be the perfect place to get himself back into balance."
"Alright, Meetra." Karn spoke with confidence and self-assurity. "You've gotten me on board with this idea. I sure hope you know what you're getting ourselves into."
Meetra waved a dismissive hand, "Of course I do. Remember, the elves and I have a history. It was they who found me when I first was brought to Alagaesia."
"Well then," Karn began to speak as he brushed his hand against her leg, "hopefully we can expect a warm welcome from Arya's people."
She brought her hand and laid it on top of Karn's, intertwining her fingers around his. "I will see to the preparations and ask permissions from both Nasuada and Arya if we can accompany them."
"Need any help?" Karn bluntly asked while his thumb caressed against the side of Meetra's hand.
"I can manage." She leaned in close and her voice dropped into a flirtatious whisper. "Though I could use some help right now." Meetra's eyes suddenly held him in place and feelings of hunger and excitement welled up from inside her.
Karn's heart beat began to race. Through their force-bond, he could sense her yearning – more like craving. Her sweet musky aroma filled his nostrils and flooded his brain. Her invitation was alluring.
"What did you have in mind, Meetra?" he spoke also in a quieter tone, a smirk upon his face.
Her free hand brushed up against his forearm and bicep; he could feel her excitement growing. Her hand came to rest behind his neck and her eyes possessed a look a hunger, and her feelings matched it. "I've got an idea."
She pulled him in and his lips met hers; Karn's carnal instincts took control and he threw himself upon her. She on the bottom, he upon her. And the two entwined their arms around each other, pulling each other close. Meetra's hunger was only growing; Karn's as well.
For some time, the two laid upon the couch, each relishing in being so close to the other, letting their passions to hold. Karn couldn't even remember how long it had been since he felt this ecstatic in his life. This was a part of his life that he had yet to experience and fill in his heart. To experience to wonder of loving someone and to be loved by someone else.
The two-broke free for a moment to gather their breaths. Karn looked upon Meetra, her hair tousled; her breathing coming in quick and in deep bursts. Her lips were swollen red; and her blouse was nearly on the verge of slipping off her shoulders; revealing a good amount of her cleavage.
"Karn," she purred his name. Hearing her to him like that shivers down Karn's spine. "Will you stay with me…tonight?"
A part from the hunger that he felt from inside her, he also could feel a new emotion stem from her: submission. She had opened herself to him; allowed him to see her with her walls down. In this moment, Karn wasn't looking at the Jedi that managed to traverse against the odds; he was simply looking at a woman. A woman who wanted nothing more than to be loved by someone. A woman who was denied the pleasures of life; now wished to experience it for the first time. She was open and embarrassed.
It never really occurred to Karn how special this moment was until she spoke those words. Until he finally realized what Meetra was wanting from him. They were connected to each other through the Force. But never had they connected on such an intimate level like this.
With full understanding of her intentions, Karn lowered head into the crook of Meetra's neck and lightly began to kiss and nibble her skin. A soft moan escaped her lips and hand held his head in place. Karn's tongue trailed up her neck until his lips met her own and he kissed passionately. His own feelings for her rising inside him.
He loved Meetra and he wanted to be by her side until his last breath fleas from his body. He wanted to bask in this moment with no other woman but her. For she was his everything – his strength and resolve. He wanted nothing more than to show her how much he truly cared and loved her.
He broke away from her, her body squirming with apprehension. Her amber eyes glowed for more. And he stared at her holding her gaze. He could tell that she knew how he felt, and a sweet smile grew crossed her face. He smiled in return, "I will stay with you tonight, my love."
Meetra's smile grew even larger and she couldn't help but bite on her bottom lip. "I like the sound of that," as she pulled him back down for another passionate exchange of kisses.
They broke away for another breather and Meetra's cheeks grew red. "Karn…," she spoke in between breaths. "…My love…" She paused for a moment. Her cheeks and ears turning a very dark shade of red. "…I will be yours, forever…"
"And I will be yours…" whispered Karn, "…forever."
"Till death do us part?" she snickered slightly with her flirtatious smile.
"Till death do us part," he replied back. He rose from the couch, wrapped his arms around her slender body and hoisted her up into his chest. He carried her from the living area, through the threshold of the bedroom and laid her down upon her bed – somehow missing all the clutter that was thrown across the ground.
Meetra and Karn spent that night together. Basking in each other's company and consummating their love for one another. For in that moment, Karn gave no worries about the future. He focused on the present; focused on the one thing he found solace in. That night, Karn would understand truly the wonders of being human: to experience true love. And in those dark, candle-lit hours, Karn made a silent vow. This woman I shall love for all eternity. For she is my everything. And I will never stop loving her even if the Force calls me home. I will provide and protect her. And even fight and kill for her. For in this black and cruel world…. she is my shining star.